Missouri Gambling Laws: Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Who Makes Gambling Laws in Missouri? | Missouri Legislature |
| 🔞 Legal Gambling Age: | 18+ |
| 🎰 Legal Gambling Options: | Casinos, Horse Racing, Poker, DFS |
| 📆 When Was Gambling Legalized in MO? | 1980 |
| ✅ Last Verified: | January 17, 2025 |
Is Gambling Legal in Missouri?
Yes, gambling is legal in Missouri across several forms dating back to 1980 with the passage of Amendment 3, or the Missouri Authorization of Bingo Amendment.
It wasn't until 1992 that gambling in the Show-Me State really took off with the legalization of riverboat casinos, and then in 1994 with the legalization of games of chance (Amendment 6) following several years of attempts. Today, there are 13 casinos in the state.
The latest gambling law expansion in Missouri passed in 2024 when voters approved Amendment 2 in a referendum.
iGaming, also known as online casino gambling, remains illegal in Missouri.
Who Makes Gambling Laws in Missouri?
The Missouri Legislature is the key body when it comes to gambling laws in MO. The Missouri House and Senate work in tandem in developing and passing gambling legislation, but it's finally up to Missouri voters to decide on rejecting or approving that legislation.
Who Regulates Gambling in Missouri?
There are several bodies that regulate gambling in Missouri. Click each of the tabs below to learn more about each regulator.
The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees several forms of gambling in the state but not all forms. The MGC regulates riverboat casinos, charitable bingo, daily fantasy sports, and soon-to-be sports betting.
- Site: Missouri Gaming Commission
- Phone: (573) 526-4080
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter/X: @MissouriGaming
The Missouri Horse Racing Commission oversees horse racing operations in the Show-Me State. Primarily, the responsibilities of the commission lie primarily in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry and the encouragement of the breeding of horses for use in horse racing.
- Site: Missouri Horse Racing Commission
- Phone: (573) 526-4080
- Email: [email protected]
The Missouri Lottery is a state-run operation that oversees lottery in the state. The lottery offers games from the Multi-State Lottery Association including Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Pick 3, Pick 4 and more.
- Site: Missouri Lottery
- Phone: (573) 751-4050
Missouri State Laws on Gambling and Different Ways to Gamble
The State of Missouri has several ways that you can gamble, all of which have unique laws. Ensure that you're familiar with these laws before partaking in them.
Casino Laws in Missouri
Missouri casinos were first legalized in 1992 with the authorization of riverboat casinos. However, it wasn't until 1994 that games of chance like slots and roulette made their way to casinos. Though at the time, gamblers were limited to a maximum loss limit of $500 in a two-hour span and riverboats were required to cruise on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
A 1998 referendum removed the requirement that riverboats had to cruise, allowing the casinos to remain in place as long as they were over water and were located within 1,000 feet of main channels of the Mississippi or Missouri rivers.
Sports Gambling Laws in Missouri
Legislation passed in 2024 allowing Missouri sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks, expected to launch in 2025. After several years of attempts, Missouri voters approved the latest gambling law in the state (Amendment 2), this time allowing betting on sports.
Amendment 2 allows for up to 14 licenses, with licenses available to the state's casino operators, professional sports teams and two "untethered licenses".
Horse Racing Laws in Missouri
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races was first legalized in 1984 in the Show-Me State with the passage of Amendment 7. Missouri gamblers can bet on live horse races as well as simulcast races shown at tracks, but only on race days.
There are no horse racing tracks in operation at this time as the interest in horse racing in the state has declined since the legalization of casinos.
Lottery Laws in Missouri
Missouri passed a gambling law (Amendment 5) for lottery games the same year that betting on horse races became legal - 1984. Just two years later, the first lottery tickets were sold. A year later, Missouri became a part of the Multi-State Lottery Association, allowing for the sale of games such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Missouri Gambling Tax Laws to Know
Gambling winnings in Missouri are taxed, so here's what you should know:
- Gambling winnings in Missouri are subject to a 24% federal tax rate.
- The state of Missouri taxes on gambling range from 0% to 5.4%, depending on how much you win.
- Missouri's casinos pay a tax of 21% on Adjusted Gross Revenue.
- Sports betting operators will pay a 10% tax on revenue.
All Missouri residents are subject to a 24% federal tax rate on gambling winnings. According to MO gambling tax laws, there is also a state-determined gambling tax that is based on a sliding scale from )5 to 5.4% depending on how much you win.
You can learn more about gambling tax laws in Missouri and how much you may owe by using our Missouri Gambling Tax Calculator.
Missouri Gambling Laws FAQ
The Missouri legislature, comprised of the House and Senate, makes gambling laws in Missouri. While laws are crafted and passed by the legislature, it's actually up to voters to give the final decision on gambling laws in the state. Once gambling legislation is passed by the legislature, those laws are decided upon by a referendum.
Gambling has been legal in Missouri since 1980, when charitable bingo was first legalized. In fact, the 80s were a hot time for the passage of gambling laws in Missouri, as pari-mutuel wagering on horse races and lottery were both passed.
You have to be at least 18 years old to gamble in Missouri for some forms of gambling, while you have to be 21 or older for others. If you want to gamble at the state's casinos or bet on sports once that becomes legal, you must be 21. However, you can bet on horse racing or play the lottery in Missouri at 18.
Yes, you can gamble legally at the age of 18 in Missouri. However, this only applies to betting on hrose racing and playing the lottery. If you want to gamble at a casino or bet on sports, you'll have to wait until you're 18.
Author
The veteran team of Missouri sports betting experts behind BetMissouri.com.
